Vicki's Ventures

09/29/2026

The splurge vs save confusion
Many times I hear alot of talk about how to structure a vacation. What do I spend vs what can I save on.

A couple tips
Splurge on location and unique experiences
Save on flights (within reason) and souvenirs.�You remember the experiences.

One of the biggest ways I found to save was not thinking I had to have a tshirt or a key chain from every location I visited. Those purchases add up and instead I look for an excursion or activity to do instead!

09/25/2026

My husband made a special treat. If you have ever had Carnival Cruise's chocolate melting cake, you know what a treat it is! Add a little scoop of ice cream on top or even a teaspoon of peanut butter. IYKYK!

For 4 servings -
Ingredients:
6oz Dark Chocolate
6oz Butter
4 Eggs
3oz Sugar
2oz Flour
How to make it:
Melt the chocolate and butter
Mix eggs and sugar and whisk for a few minutes, then add flour
Add the egg mix to the melted chocolate and mix
Pour the mix in a greased mold
Bake directly in the oven at 390°F for 14 minutes

09/07/2026

I just have a couple more rooms left blocked under my group. If you have any interest let me know soon!

If you plan to go on an Alaskan cruise, you must plan early! The prime balcony cabins go quick and they are often sold out well before sailing date. If you every wanted to go, now is the time. Reservations just opened for this ship. Contact me if interested.

09/06/2026

Every once in awhile you just need a little wave therapy.

09/05/2026

Celebration Key - Carnival’s private island in Freeport Bahamas. 65 acres of fun! Beautiful day to be in the sun. 🌞

09/03/2026

Do NOT ever think you are too old to travel. We just left this morning, taking my mother in law on her very first airplane trip! 89 years young!

09/01/2026

Do you have a fear of choosing the wrong hotel?
Before booking a hotel:
* Check recent reviews (last 6 months)
* Look at traveler photos (not just marketing)
* Confirm the actual location on a map
* Read what’s included vs extra fees

08/28/2026

Dealing with foreign currency - What to do?
* Use credit cards with no foreign fees
*ALWAYS decline "conversion to USD" at checkout. Select to pay in the local currency. If you do not, you pay that retailer's exchange fee.
* Avoid airport exchange kiosks (these will cost the most)
* Use ATMs for local cash�
* Most countries widely accept credit cards for nearly everything. However, I always carry a little local currency in case I need to pay for a restroom or buy from a small time merchant that only takes cash. You should be able to get what you need from your local bank before you leave on your trip.
*I also research where I am traveling to check what type of currency may be needed and how widely credit cards are accepted.

08/25/2026

It seems inevitable that if you travel, at some point you will experience a flight delay or cancellation.
If your flight is canceled:
* Go to airline desk immediately
* You can even call the airlines while you are standing in line
* Check alternate airports/routes
* Know your rights (especially international).

For any airlines you can search "Passenger rights" per that airline.

If you are on a plane and you believe you are going to miss a connection, start working on these things before you even land. Many of these steps can be taken on the airline app.
I've been able to re-schedule my missed connection before even landing when it was a guarantee that I was going to miss.

08/23/2026

Does travel seem too expensive??
Ways to make travel more doable:
* Travel off-season
* Use points/miles
* Shorter trips more often
* Flexible destinations�
*Flexible travel dates
Travel doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. There are always ways to make it work. Just ask me and I will help you make a plan!